Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s “Charming Angels” grabbed four top prizes in the Asia Pacific International Arts Festival 2023 – Ladybug International Children’s Arts Festival in Beijing.
The 13 young dancers in “Charming Angels” outshone 103 teams to emerge Gold Prize winner in the event from July 31 to Aug 3.
Their dance instructor, Angela Tan, received the Best International Instructor Award, Best International Creative Dance Award and International Outstanding Award.
“Charming Angels” comprise girls between ages 7 and 17 who underwent training in Angela Tan Studio.
She said the performance by the team was highly praised by the judges for featuring the culture of a minority ethnic group and incorporating bamboo in the choreography that was rarely seen in Chinese dance competitions.
The three-minute performance depicted Kadazan girls dancing at the bottom of Mount Kinabalu. It showed the joy and spirit of Kadazans during the Harvest Festival.
Tan said “Charming Angels” would continue to train and refine their dance routine.
She also thanked the organiser for providing a global stage for children to immerse themselves in arts and for instructors to broaden their knowledge.
Besides the competition, the 13 dancers have attended the opening ceremony, sharing session, arts and culture study tour, sound workshop and prize presentation ceremony as well.
Tan said “Charming Angels” were honoured to have represented Malaysia and Sabah to compete in Beijing. She also thanked those who have supported Angela Dance Studio.
The grand final of the annual event saw close to 5,000 participants from countries such as China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei and Thailand.
